In biblical literature, the term "shores" often refers to the boundary between land and water, typically the edge of a sea, river, or large body of water. Shores are significant in the Bible for their geographical, symbolic, and theological implications.

Geographical Significance

The shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the Sea of Galilee, and the Jordan River are prominent in biblical narratives. These locations served as important sites for trade, travel, and communication in the ancient Near East. For instance, the Mediterranean Sea's shores were home to key cities such as Tyre and Sidon, which were centers of commerce and interaction between different cultures (Ezekiel 27:3).

Symbolic and Theological Implications

Shores in the Bible often symbolize transition and boundary. They represent the meeting point between the known and the unknown, the terrestrial and the aquatic. This symbolism is evident in the account of Jonah, who was cast into the sea and later delivered to the shore by a great fish (Jonah 2:10). The shore here marks a point of divine intervention and a new beginning for Jonah.

In the New Testament, shores are significant in the ministry of Jesus Christ. The Sea of Galilee's shores were the backdrop for many of Jesus' teachings and miracles. For example, Jesus called His first disciples, Peter and Andrew, from the shores of the Sea of Galilee, saying, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). This call from the shore signifies the beginning of their transformation and mission.

Prophetic and Eschatological Contexts

In prophetic literature, shores can also denote the extent of God's dominion and the reach of His message. Isaiah 42:10 declares, "Sing to the LORD a new song, His praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who dwell in them." Here, the shores represent the farthest reaches of the earth, emphasizing the universal scope of God's salvation and glory.

Cultural and Historical Context

The ancient Israelites, though not primarily a seafaring people, were aware of the significance of shores due to their proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and other bodies of water. The Philistines, who lived along the coastal plains, often interacted with the Israelites, leading to cultural exchanges and conflicts. The shores thus served as a point of contact and confrontation between different peoples and their deities.

Conclusion

In summary, the concept of shores in the Bible encompasses a range of meanings, from literal geographical locations to rich symbolic and theological themes. They serve as sites of divine encounter, transformation, and the proclamation of God's sovereignty over all creation.3794. Kitti -- a son of Javan, also his desc. and their land
... name denoting Cyprus (only in the plural); a Kittite or Cypriote; hence, an islander
in general, ie The Greeks or Romans on the shores opposite Palestine ...
/hebrew/3794.htm - 6k

Arria and Her Brother were Far from the Shores of Hellas and Near ...
... CHAPTER 21 Arria and her brother were far from the shores of Hellas and
near the Isle? Arria and her brother were far from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 21 arria and her.htm

The Saviour's Last Command.
... islands? What have they carried to thy shores? ... lands. Thousands and hundreds
of thousands from those lands have visited my shores. ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter iv the saviours last.htm

At Capernaum
... At Capernaum Jesus dwelt in the intervals of His journeys to and fro, and it came
to be known as "His own city." It was on the shores of the Sea of Galilee ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 26 at capernaum.htm

Preparations for the Invasion of Greece.
... The chief scene of activity, during all this time, was the tract of country in the
western part of Asia Minor, and along the shores of the AEgean Sea. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter iv preparations for the.htm

Sermon at the Opening Services of the General Convention, October ...
... of whose services we have record was Master Wolfall, who celebrated the Holy Communion
in 1578 for the crews of Martin Forbisher on the shores of Hudson Bay ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whipple/five sermons/i sermon at the opening.htm

The Pilgrim Fathers.
... their enemies. But steadfast perseverance finally conquered, and they found
shelter on the friendly shores of the Dutch Republic. In ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /16 the pilgrim fathers.htm

The Pilgrim Fathers
... their enemies. But steadfast perseverance finally conquered, and they found
shelter on the friendly shores of the Dutch Republic. In ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 16 the pilgrim fathers.htm

Christian Stewardship.
... Think, then, how chilling and soul-sickening the intelligence that met me as I landed
on my native shores, (in the spring of 1838,) that Christians were ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter ii christian stewardship.htm

On a Piece of Chalk. A Lecture to Working Men.
... on the south coast it appears abruptly in the picturesque western bays of Dorset,
and breaks into the Needles of the Isle of Wight; while on the shores of Kent ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/ix on a piece of.htm

Approaching Land.
... 8,7,8,7. (Thought to have been suggested to the seraphic Bard, Williams, of Pantycelyn,
by the approach of Columbus to the shores of the Western Continent.). ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/morris/favourite welsh hymns/lviii approaching land.htm

Shores (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shores (5 Occurrences). ... Men will worship him, everyone
from his place, even all the shores of the nations. (WEB). ...
/s/shores.htm - 7k

Galilee (73 Occurrences)
... the ridges of Carmel and Gilboa on the south, and from the Jordan valley on the
east away across the splendid plains of Jezreel and Acre to the shores of the ...
/g/galilee.htm - 67k

Shore (45 Occurrences)
... sinking or sagging. 5. (vt) To support by a shore or shores; to prop; --
usually with up; as, to shore up a building. 6. (n.) The ...
/s/shore.htm - 22k

Dead (580 Occurrences)
... Dr. Tristram found on the shores three kinds of kingfishers, gulls, ducks, and grebes,
which he says live on the fish which enter the sea in shoals, and ...
/d/dead.htm - 80k

Peter (181 Occurrences)
... Philip belonged. Here he was brought up by the shores of the Sea of Galilee,
and was trained to the occupation of a fisher. His ...
/p/peter.htm - 101k

Shorn (5 Occurrences)

/s/shorn.htm - 8k

Apocalyptic
... The disastrous overthrow that he suffered at the hands of Caesar and his miserable
end on the shores of Egypt seemed to be a judgment on him for his impiety. ...
/a/apocalyptic.htm - 42k

Literature (2 Occurrences)
... The disastrous overthrow that he suffered at the hands of Caesar and his miserable
end on the shores of Egypt seemed to be a judgment on him for his impiety. ...
/l/literature.htm - 82k

Jordan (188 Occurrences)
... bridge remaining just below the exit of the river from Lake Galilee, where there
was a ford of special importance to the people residing on the shores of this ...
/j/jordan.htm - 70k

Quails (4 Occurrences)
... These birds (the Coturnix vulgaris of naturalists) are found in countless numbers
on the shores of the Mediterranean, and their annual migration is an event ...
/q/quails.htm - 8k

Who was Jonah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the Canaanites? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the Assyrians in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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